How to attach Plastic Eyes, sew Yarn Eyes and embroider Thread Eyes by Mochimochi
Well, that title up there says it all! Mochimochi has written a very good article on attaching/making eyes for your softies.
{image credit: Mochimochi}
Her article provides the steps on how she attaches plastic safety eyes to a softie; how she sew eyes on using yarn; and her method for embroidering eyes using stranded cotton. The great thing about this article - besides the fantastic accompanying pictures - is that she also notes the pros and cons for each option.
She uses a knitted softie to illustrate the different methods but these same techniques apply to any softie really, whether knitted, crocheted or sewn. The only real difference is when attaching plastic safety eyes to a sewn softie - in my experience it is a good idea to make small slits where the eyes should be and then stitch a small circle or square around them (smaller than the size of the actual eye so that it can’t be seen when the eye is attached) to prevent them from tearing open. Also for sewn toys, you would attach the eyes before stuffing the softie rather than after stuffing as mentioned by Mochimochi for knitted toys.
Read it all here: Eye, Eye: A Tutorial by Mochimochi
Another good article that you might also find helpful in regards to attaching plastic safety eyes for your softies (as many brands of safety eyes that you buy from the craft shop do not include instructions):
>> How to Attach Safety Eyes to Toys by eHow
Make A Comment: ( 9 so far )
9 Responses to “How to attach Plastic Eyes, sew Yarn Eyes and embroider Thread Eyes by Mochimochi”
DuroIroth
January 22nd, 2009
Thanks for sharing the article. I think my niece likes to make these soft toys so I’ll get her to read it.
Tom
Computer Backpacks
April 5th, 2011
Thank you for linking to this great tutorial it is awesome. Bookmarked!
Car Window Repair
April 7th, 2011
Your two points are very important additions to Mochimochi’s tutorial. The eyes really do need reinforcement.
She says kids might swallow the eyes, and with persistence, they probably could. When I make my toys, anything that could be dismembered and swallowed I used to paint lavishly with nail polish to give a very unpleasant bitter taste that lingers in their mouth for a long time after their first attempt. I now use a special product to prevent nail biting called Nibble No More. It’s a cactus extract that is harmless.
Carolann Cleckner
April 11th, 2011
So by stitching around the slits it will prevent tearing later bt strengthening- never thought of this but will give it a try
Rick Mills
April 12th, 2011
We did this with the kids on a wet Sunday afternoon - it helped to keep them busy and they managed to do most of it themselves.
art
April 15th, 2011
Carolann, that is a great idea. I don’t think any kid would want a second dose of that foul taste.
Stacy
April 15th, 2011
Hi thanks for the links to the articles and this is a excellent little tip “t is a good idea to make small slits where the eyes should be and then stitch a small circle or square around them” because the area around the eye is forever ripping away !
Thanks alot of this tip and the links to the articles, Kate
Kate
April 16th, 2011
Thank you for giving me the link. My wife will love it. She has made four softies, but still not able to attach the eyes and make softie ears perfectly. By the way from your picture, it seems like you haven’t finished your softie yet.
Aldo
May 5th, 2011
Nothing seems to be easier than seeing someone whom you can help but not helping.
I suggest we start giving it a try. Give love to the ones that need it.
God will appreciate it.